Replacing 2015 1190 cam chain tensioners

Hi all, has anyone attempted changing out their tensioners? I have 34000 km on my bike and after getting back home after a 400 km day ride in 30+ degree weather the noise is quite frightening, especially on the right cylinder (rear) just under the water pump. A clacking noise! I know these engines have noisy cam chains. On start up the noise is fine. So I picked up the parts to replace the tensioners and ripped the tank off to get at it but could not see how to replace the right side without removing the motor mount?? Any insight on how to replace is appreciated. Also is it necessary to have the piston at TDC? Nice touch was that the new tensioners come pre-set for install. Thanks in advance for your knowledge. Cheers

which ever tensioner you're replacing that cylinder NEEDS to be at TDC with the little lock bolt screwed into the right side of the motor locking the crank and keeping it from moving. If you move the throttle bodies out of the way you can get to the rear cylinder tensioner with no obstructions.

which ever tensioner you're replacing that cylinder NEEDS to be at TDC with the little lock bolt screwed into the right side of the motor locking the crank and keeping it from moving. If you move the throttle bodies out of the way you can get to the rear cylinder tensioner with no obstructions.

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Thanks for the info! I guess I was looking at it the lazy man way. Makes sense now, Thank you

The cylinder your working on must be locked at TDC ON THE FIRING STROKE WHEN THE TWO DOTS ON THE CAM WHEEELS ARE IN LINE. this is critical. No need to touch throttle bodies. Just take all the bolts out of the engine mount and rotate it slightly, no need to remove. Mine also had a bad clacking noise. I replaced the tensioner with new KTM hydraulic ones, noise stayed the same. Smooth as you like over 3000 though! If anyone knows the cause of this noise I’d love to know, it’s the only thing I dislike about the bike, they are all mechanically noisy, with the same deep clack sound, some more than others. Round town at low revs I hate it! clack clack!

The cylinder your working on must be locked at TDC ON THE FIRING STROKE WHEN THE TWO DOTS ON THE CAM WHEEELS ARE IN LINE. this is critical. No need to touch throttle bodies. Just take all the bolts out of the engine mount and rotate it slightly, no need to remove. Mine also had a bad clacking noise. I replaced the tensioner with new KTM hydraulic ones, noise stayed the same. Smooth as you like over 3000 though! If anyone knows the cause of this noise I’d love to know, it’s the only thing I dislike about the bike, they are all mechanically noisy, with the same deep clack sound, some more than others. Round town at low revs I hate it! clack clack!

Yeah I know, I’m not entirely convinced the noise is in fact the cam chains. Anyone on here actually had the clack noise and cured it with the manual tensioners? Any KTM techs on here that can help? Anyone very familiar with this engines internals?

Meant to say. I heard a new 790 running the other day. That sounded like a bag of spanner’s as well. How come the japs can make quiet engines, and the 3 cyl Triumphs have a mechanical whine to die for. Smooth as.

Meant to say. I heard a new 790 running the other day. That sounded like a bag of spanner’s as well. How come the japs can make quiet engines, and the 3 cyl Triumphs have a mechanical whine to die for. Smooth as.

Hi Rick. I had a 990r before, when first started it used to clack prior to oil pressure coming up. This was only on starting, hot or cold. Just lasted a second or two, Didn’t make the noise on idle at all. My 1190 engine only seems to really quiten off around 3000 rpm. I’ve had it from new. More regular oil and filter than KTM suggest and I use the motorex 10/50 and KTM filters as instructed. The noise on the 990 was faster and sounded to be higher up in the engine. I’ve listened to my 1190 alongside others, I know it’s not alone in making this noise. However a lot of owners just don’t care. Have you fitted manual tensioners to an 1190 and found it an instant fix?